CHRISTIAN ABURIME
“Governor Soludo’s success in Anambra should serve as an inspiration to leaders everywhere that the impossible can be done, and no mission is actually impossible when the political will is there.”
In the sphere of leadership, where challenges often loom larger than life, the ethos of Tom Cruise’s hit movie “Mission Impossible” franchise comes to mind as a poignant metaphor for the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to accept defeat.
Just as Ethan Hunt and his team face seemingly insurmountable odds with undaunted determination and surmount them, so too does Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, of Anambra State. His bold and decisive leadership embodies the very essence of this cinematic inspiration, where ‘No’ is never an option and every obstacle is only a stepping stone to success.
All through the history of Nigeria’s subnationals, few moments could have been as phenomenal as the recent actions taken by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo. His bold and decisive leadership has not only restored the security of lives and property, but has also brought an end to the economically debilitating Monday sit-at-home practice that plagued the region for five long years. It is instructive that this is not just a victory for Anambra; it is a sign of hope for the entire Southeast region and even the nation.
For years, the people of the South-east suffered under the oppressive shadow of non-state actors and their enforced sit-at-home order. The economic toll was staggering, with Anambra State alone losing a mind-boggling N8 billion weekly in business trade. The region as a whole reportedly lost an estimated N7.6 trillion between 2021 and 2025. Schools, markets, banks, and offices were shut down, and the streets were eerily silent every Monday as in a ghost town. The fear was palpable, and the suffering was immense.
But in the face of such excruciating adversity, Governor Soludo has been leading like a battle angel of hope, courage, and resilience. His administration’s unswerving commitment to security and economic revival has brought about a paradigm shift. As he recently stated, “When I assumed office, so far since I came into office, about 62 criminal camps have been dismantled in Anambra, and we’re not resting for one second. In Anambra, we pride ourselves on being the safest, if not…modestly, one of the safest states in the country.”
Naturally, Governor Soludo’s intrepid actions have been nothing short of game-changing. By dismantling criminal camps and establishing effective vigilante groups like Agunechemba, he has created an environment where law and order now prevail. Besides, the reopening of over 45,000 shops at the Onitsha Main Market, after the catalytic official shutdown weeks ago, with business activities now at their peak, is a veritable proof of his success. The jubilation of traders and the bustling markets across the state have become a stark contrast to the ghost towns of the past. A mission impossible has become possible!
In emphasising the expediency of collaboration towards tackling insecurity, the governor’s words ring true: “Security is everybody’s responsibility. It requires a systemic, collaborative approach to be able to deal with it comprehensively.” His emphasis on collaboration between federal, state, and local governments is a model for the rest of the nation. After all, with the governor himself getting all security agencies in the state working together, his administration has managed to curtail criminality and restore normalcy to the lives of Anambra’s residents.
By and large, the impact of Governor Soludo’s fearless leadership goes beyond Anambra. His actions have shown that the people of the South-east are eager to return to their normal lives. The sit-at-home order was enforced through fear, but the people’s compliance was never voluntary. In Onitsha, the traders’ return to business activities after the governor’s intervention proves that the people are ready to move forward and would not be cowed by fear anymore.
With the economic revival of Anambra being the governor’s vision, the reopening of businesses and the resumption of economic activities are indeed crucial steps towards rebuilding the entire region’s economy. The federal and state governments must continue to collaborate to ensure that the region remains secure and prosperous, as the people have shown that they are tired of the crisis and want to live their normal lives again.
Thus, Governor Soludo’s success in Anambra should serve as an inspiration to leaders everywhere that the impossible can be done, and no mission is actually impossible when the political will is there. The illegitimate sit-at-home order has been banished once and for all. The people have shown their readiness to embrace peace and prosperity. The governments have already designed several economic activities (via various empowerment programmes put in place by Governor Soludo’s administration) for those previously engaged in criminal activities, with the aim of providing them with opportunities for redemption and rehabilitation.
Also, the government would of course continue to play its part by adequately securing the state and preventing any attacks on soft targets that could trigger a return to fear. In the final analysis, Governor Soludo’s leadership has brought about a historic transformation in Anambra State. His bold and decisive actions have restored security, revived the economy, and given hope to the people. His words and actions serve as a therapeutic balm that with courage, collaboration, and determination, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges.